Overview

The Defibrillators (Availability) Bill aims to increase the availability of defibrillators in England and Wales, particularly in educational establishments and other public places. The bill mandates their provision, sets guidelines for their installation and maintenance, and encourages public awareness of their use.

Description

This bill places a duty on Health and Wellbeing Boards to promote the provision of publicly accessible defibrillators. This includes assessing needs, advising on locations, encouraging other organizations to provide them, and creating a public register of defibrillators. The Secretary of State is responsible for issuing guidance on the provision, location, and signage for defibrillators.

Key Mandates:

• By April 1, 2020, all educational establishments in England must have at least one publicly accessible defibrillator at their main building and each campus.
• By April 1, 2020, all town, parish, community, and neighbourhood councils in England must provide at least one publicly accessible defibrillator.
• By December 31, 2019, the Secretary of State must issue planning guidance to ensure defibrillators are considered during the planning of new educational establishments or renovations.

The bill defines "defibrillator," "educational establishment," "premises," and "publicly available." It also outlines the responsibilities of educational establishments and councils regarding the installation, maintenance, and signage of defibrillators. Importantly, the bill does not mandate funding for the provision of defibrillators or training.

Government Spending

The bill will require government spending on the Secretary of State's duties related to issuing guidance and any increase in expenditure under other Acts. Specific figures are not provided in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Health and Wellbeing Boards: Responsible for promoting the provision of defibrillators and producing assessments, advice, and reports.
• Educational Establishments: Required to provide and maintain defibrillators by April 1, 2020.
• Town, Parish, Community, and Neighbourhood Councils: Required to provide at least one defibrillator by April 1, 2020.
• Planning Authorities: Will receive guidance on including defibrillators in new and renovated educational buildings.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for issuing guidance on defibrillator provision and planning.
• Public: Will benefit from increased access to life-saving defibrillators.

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